Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Today I went to a fashion parade with a difference. Most of the models had sewed their own costumes, which are replicas of Victorian and Edwardian designs. The former Otago Settlers' Museum has just re-opened after a lengthy renovation, and this was part of the celebration.

But first you must indulge me by looking at some pictures of my Scottish immigrant great-grandparents, William and Helen Wilson.

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Here they are in the centre.

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I was blown away when I came across this hand-tinted photo.

Now here are the lovely costumes:

This looks like it was inspired by a painting by Seurat.

Love that hat.

Note the tatted lace trim.

Purple and grey - tres elegant.

Violet!

One of my favourites. This was beautifully made.

In the background is the engine "Josephine".

Note the crystal beading.

Burgundy with diamante trim

Purple with appliqued lace and a My Fair Lady hat

Caped crusaders.

It was inspiring seeing the way these women had put so much creativity and skill into their outfits.

Sunday, 2 December 2012

I was in our illustrious capital the week before the Hobbit preview and the excitement was building.

I op-shopped to my heart's content and raided a few fabric shops - lots of photos to show you in upcoming posts.

There was a brilliant exhibition in Te Papa of one man's collection of ceramics and metalware which he has gifted to the nation. His name is Walter Cook and I didn't have my camera on me but there are some on the link.